And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, to men of good will.”

Mr Kippers here. As you are aware, I am in the middle of a new campaign to raise awareness to STOP the chaining, tying of ropes and in my case, baling wire, around the neck of animals. My new campaign also launched my new line of neck adornment.

It is NOT jewelry! They are “STATEMENT” pieces because I am making a stand and “STATEMENT” against this atrocity!

My STATEMENT:
“Please join me, Mr. Kippers, by making certain that the only ropes or chains ever used on one’s neck are those of adornment!
Classic Kippers stands united against all animal abuse!”

Soon my everyday “STATEMENT” pieces will soon be available for purchase at my online store, but my “collegiate” pieces are already divided into Pop Up Shops and can be found on my Classic Kippers Facebook page. FRIEND ME!

PLEASE purchase a ‘’STATEMENT’’ piece for yourself or a gift and let’s save the animals!

Remember all net profit goes to helping abused and abandoned animals.

I can also be emailed at: mrkippers@classickippers.com

Because of the incredible response to our ladies collection, we were able to make our first donation to a poor dog who fell victim to this insidious practice just this week.

I am including pictures within this post, but WARNING that they are GRAPHIC. I am not one to hide from these things, because I know the pain of abuse. IT IS REAL! I think EVERYONE should just take a look and I think you will see why our new line is so important. Buy a “STATEMENT” piece and help us to help abused and abandoned animals.

No animals were injured in the public relation photos which were taken of Miss Sophie Peach and me, but sadly the other photos are real.

Mr. Kippers here and I realize that I have been terribly remiss in getting a blog post out on our second, VERY SUCCESSFUL, 2017 Hurricane Harvey Flood Relief effort.

Between the death of my dear friend, K-9 German Shepherd Veteran “FEBE”, and the launch of my fall ladies collection coming up On Oct 10, there have not been enough hours in the day!
But as always, I want my loyal followers, as well as those new to my Kippers’ Flood Relief program, to know where your donations of money, food and supplies have gone. I truly believe that the reason we have been so successful is due to our hard work and letting you know on this blog, through words and photos, just how much your generous hearts have meant to those in need.
The need for our help in SW Louisiana began when mom’s friend, Miss Tanya Parker with Paws 4 Life, did what she does best in getting dogs out of shelters and up north where they can find forever homes.

There was a slight twist this time because the shelters down there needed their adoptees (dogs and cats already up for adoption) to catch transports up North as soon as possible, so that they could not only find forever homes but in turn their departure would make room for dogs and cats displaced from the flood. That way the flood victims could hopefully be reunited with their families.
Miss Tanya has saved hundreds of dogs and cats and these trips thankfully, added to her tally. Naturally the first monies I received went straight to the Paws 4 Life gas fund to help evacuate! As Miss Tanya readied for her trip out of South Louisiana, loaded with 15 cats, 16 dogs and one rather ornery pot-bellied pig named Lucy,

I would like to add, that once Miss Tanya delivered the animals north to Illinois, the wonderful people at Friends Forever Humane Society and Safe Haven Humane Society, loaded The Paws 4 Life van with supplies for me to take south on the big flood relief truck. Humane Society of Northwest LA also donated lots of crates too! It was a grand act of humanity!

Much of this would not have happened had KSLA, Channel 12’s seasoned news veteran, Jeff Ferrell, not been aware of my mission. Mr. Jeff and KSLA’s awesome cameraman, Semmie Buffin, did several live spots at Kippers’ Flood Relief headquarters to champion my cause! This is the second year that Jeff Ferrell has gotten the word out on my behalf. THANK YOU BOTH!

We also had more than fifty Amazon boxes drop shipped by my supporters from across the country, as well as money, which we used to purchase huge bags of food and more kennels! Money from as far away as Germany and Canada came to us. I am humbled by everyone’s generosity.

The small shelters in south Louisiana we’re going to be somewhat like triage centers.
Refugee animals would be coming in by the numbers.
They needed crates because none had enough runs to house all of the four-legged flood victims. They needed food and lots of it because there were so many more mouths to feed than normal. They needed litter, cleaning supplies, masks, gloves and milk replacer for the unexpected babies. One woman had picked up a very pregnant canine flood victim to get her to safety and on the road trip out of the flood zone, the mama dog managed to deliver 13 pups on the back seat! Remember these wise words. “A pregnant female, of any species, waits for no one- not even Mother Nature!”
Miss Tanya also connected Mom with Michele’ Brignac. This dynamite lady is the heart and soul, oops I mean the Director, of St. Martin Animal Services in St. Martin Parish.

Miss Michele’ realized that Mom wanted to help the small shelters because Mom knows how hard they work and how much they need supplies, but Miss Michele’ also knew how hard it would be to get the big truck into some areas, load and off load. That’s when Miss Michele’ had a scathingly brilliant idea! She invited the small shelters to come to the Saint Martin Parish shelter to pickup their supplies. It was the perfect way to distribute. Unfortunately, due to construction, we were 30 minutes late, though we still arrived to many happy faces! These S. Louisiana rescuers were thrilled to see Mom and Auntie Susan’s car pulling in, followed by Liz and Earl Ferguson’s big Chinaberry truck, which they so graciously have lent us, with a driver and crew, for every flood relief effort! This was our fourth flood relief effort in twelve months and none would’ve been possible without the generosity of the Ferguson’s! They donate not only their truck, crew and driver, to get Mr Kippers’ thousands of pounds of food and supplies to where they are needed, but their crew loads the precious cargo and the Ferguson’s pay for the gas as well. These are definitely unsung heros! Since August of 2016 we have transported just over 50 thousand pounds of food and supplies to help four-legged flood victims.

It’s a mighty proud Bull Terrier I am to know that my mission to pay forward my good fortune continues to exceed my expectations!
Not only were the shelter volunteers on hand to receive our supplies, but Miss Michele’ had told me that she had alerted the newspaper, the Teche News, who was going to do an article prior to our arrival. She also invited Acadiana’s News Channel, KATC 3 to be there to cover the story once Kippers’ Flood Relief arrived.

It is so important to me that all of you who donated are confident and comfortable in the knowledge that your donations ended up where the need was great!

I believe that the pictures below will give you the warm fuzzies. They came, these small shelters of South Louisiana. They came in vans, pickups and cars. They came to receive the precious cargo delivered to them by Classic Kippers, but donated by you, my cherished followers.

A special and most heartfelt thank you to my mom’s friend, my “Auntie” Susan. She is always there for projects and rescue road trips! She works tirelessly for my cause and will not accept even ONE dog biscuit for her trouble. I worry about that, I mean who doesn’t want at least ONE treat? Regardless, she is the cats pajamas!

“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.”
Because of all of you, we helped to save many dogs and cats! I am humbled, and most grateful, that you have helped me to continue my mission- to pay forward my good fortune.
MR. KIPPERS
“That is all!”

My online store ——–> ClassicKippers.biz

It is through the sale of my bow ties, organic tees, autobiography (yes I wrote a book!) and soon my ladies collection, that we raise funds to help abused and abandoned animals. Please keep us in mind this Christmas! A Classic Kippers’ gift is two gifts in one. First, the actual purchase for yourself or a friend and secondly, the net profit from the sale of my products goes to help bona fide animal rescue during the year.

He did not choose a life of service, this noble black German Shepherd, but he stepped up and gave it his all when he was selected. “FEBE”, which stands for Federal Bomb Expert, spent a decade patrolling Barksdale Air Force Base, as well as some of their airshows. He showed his mettle when used in K-9 demonstrations for different groups. He “swept” areas to prepare for the arrival of many dignitaries- among them a US President, a US Vice President, Foreign Dignitaries and high ranking Military Officers. He even searched polling sites in Iraq during their election. But his most important job, was protecting the lives of US soldiers at Camp Victory in Iraq and in doing so, he also safely brought home Amy Hollis’ husband, father of Hunter, Jullian and Nicholas Hollis.

TSgt. Thomas David Hollis- Febe’s handler.

To many, a K-9 is “just a dog”, but to the soldier who handles him, and the many soldiers who depend on his keen nose to help keep them safe, he is a brother in arms. He IS one of them.

Tommy retired from the USAF in 2014, but not before he and Febe had been awarded the Army Commendation Medal and the Iraq Freedom Medal.

Then, when Febe retired in 2015, Tommy was there -ready to adopt him. For the last two years, Febe has been an integral part of the Hollis family.

He served as the Grand Marshal of The Krewe of Barkus and Meoux in 2016.

Febe was honored by the Parkway Jr. ROTC on Veteran’s Day of that same year. Febe and Tommy brought much happiness to the residents of the nursing homes and assisted living facilities they visited, but it appeared that his greatest joy was being with the Hollis family.

Despite his tough job, at heart, Febe was a sweetheart. Sadly, his retirement was not to be a long one, for Febe was diagnosed with advanced, inoperable bladder and pancreatic cancer this past week.
It was a devastating blow to those who loved him.
And today, Febe and Tommy’s brothers in arms came to the Barksdale AFB Kennels, the place Febe called home when he was on active duty.
They came to say “goodbye”. They came to thank him.

You see, Last Call came today for this old warrior. All radio traffic on the Security Forces channel was silenced for Military Working Dog Febe, Tag # LIMA 066. He was thanked for his devotion to duty, his service to our country and the United States Air Force and was cleared and secured for the last and final time on 19th September 2017, 0913 hours.

And so, the solemn procession began. The motorcade, escorting Febe’s casket, was lead by members of the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Department on motorcycles and the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Posse. A Louisiana State Trooper K-9 unit, joined the cortège. With lights flashing, the motorcade wound its way through Bossier Parish for the 30 minute ride to the cemetery. Once off the Clyde Fant Parkway, we passed car after car on the shoulder of the road showing their respect. And as we traveled Hwy 154, just before the cemetery, two ladies, stood by the roadside waving big American flags in FEBE’s honor. Tommy went back to thank them after the service.

Members of Parkway’s Junior ROTC and the USAF K-9 handlers had borne his casket to this point, now it was going to be carried the final leg by two handlers, one of which was Tommy and the other, Military Working Dog Trainer, SSgt. Lammers, along with two of Tommy’s sons, Jullian and Nick Hollis, family friend David Dinger and Mr. Kippers’ “Dad”, USAF Veteran, Gordon Clingan.

Winston Hall beautifully performed, “Go Rest High on That Mountain.”

Retired MWD “FEBE” will be cremated and his ashes returned to the Hollis family.

To this noble German Shepherd, a United States Air Force war hero, we bid you Godspeed. And with apologies to Shakespeare…

“Good night noble Febe, may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest, high on that mountain.”

POST SCRIPT:

The honors have continued.

This morning, The Shreveport Times cover story was all about Febe and Tommy and as it was being read by the citizens of the Shreveport-Bossier area, Tommy Hollis and his son, Nick were in the Global Strike Command office of Brigadier General Skomers at Barksdale Air Force Base.

General Skomers presented a commemorative “coin” to Tommy, on behalf of Febe’s service to the USAF and the United States of America. He also presented one to Nick for taking such good care of Febe during his retirement.

My Classic Kippers Team is hard at work on my Fall Collection!
Today my Mom really put in some long hours. Of course I periodically checked to make certain that my high standard of quality is maintained, but today she was by herself, so Miss Sophie Peach and I just made ourselves comfy and kept her company all day. She must have either been intimidated by the boss being around or she was just on a roll because she produce a number of pieces!

Also, the 250 piece mark in product production has been achieved! Miss Sophie Peach and I felt this milestone needed to be recognized! Yep, all those old boxes are now storing my brand new Classic Kippers’ fall collection! It will debut in Shreveport on Oct. 10th and at my online store on Oct 12th!

Please consider purchasing something from my new collection for someone you care about this Christmas! Remember, it’s two gifts in one! You get a fantastic item, MADE IN AMERICA, but the best part is that the net profit from the purchase of your gift, goes to help abused and abandoned animals. Isn’t that what we’re supposed to do? Help others?
My bowties can be purchased at John Pickens Clothier in Shreveport and at Olivine in Houston, TX (Rice Village)!
But, if you are REALLY an animal lover, my autobiography makes a beautiful gift too! The plaid cover even looks like Christmas!

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I must tell you that heaven has gained a new angel and I have lost a part of my heart.
I have been remiss in posting this sad news.
Those of you who have followed me these past four years are aware that I am here by the Grace of God, the doctors who worked tirelessly to save me, my parents who refused to give up, the friends who supported them and Miss Amazing Gracie- MY ROCK.
You see, when I faced the most serious fight of my life, a surgery that I had less than a 50% chance of surviving, not to mention the grim complications that plagued me, Amazing Gracie went into action. She and her mom, Jan brought Holy Water and a beautiful crate cross which Mom made sure was with me at all times.

Gracie continued to send me notes of encouragement and prayed for me every night. She wore one of my bow ties to honor me, but in truth, it is I who was honored by her friendship.
You know, Dr Treadwell my Internist, used to sing Amazing Grace to me at the hospital before my bedtime. Back then, I thought she was singing about my friend Gracie and I guess, in a way, she was.

Gracie slipped from these earthly bonds having lived a very long and wonderful life with her beloved people, Miss Jan and Mr. Jay.
To them I send my most sincere condolences.
Godspeed precious Gracie, you will always be Amazing and MY ROCK.

Most of you know that my dad, Mr. Kippers, has a propensity for quoting Shakespeare. And yes, he has me studying “The Bard” too, as part of my Renaissance Bully education!
You also know that he worked very hard in his lab to make sure that I would have all of his best attributes.
If you’ll remember, there was that little explosion in the lab and it was purported that he added too much Eastern Box Turtle Olfaction. Personally, I don’t think one can ever have too much EBTO (Eastern Box Turtle Olfaction) not to be confused with EBT (English Bull Terrier). HARK! Could that be a coincidence or a harbinger of things to come?
Definitely the latter because…..
DRUM ROLL PLEASE!
This morning, while the dew was on the vinca, I, with extreme grace and finesse, captured (and released) my turtle #3! Dad is right,
A TURTLE BY ANY OTHER NAME WOULD STILL SMELL SWEET. (another apology to Shakespeare)

My Dad is quite a guy! He actually bought and put together this white Adirondack chair, which I believe involved “hundreds” of screws, just so I could showcase these beautiful pillows made by the artists of Evergreen, who are challenged. They work very hard and do such a nice job making these delightful patriotic flag pillows!

I know these look like me, but this doesn’t have any connection to me nor my fundraising for Classic Kippers, but after all, we should always help others, should we not?

Remember, JUNE 14th is FLAG DAY and then there is THE FOURTH OF JULY!
After all, Southern hospitality is the lifeblood which courses through our veins.

So picture this-

A few of these beautiful handmade and hand painted pillows lovingly placed upon a wicker settee or a porch swing, a cold pitcher of lemonade and some warm ginger snap cookies on a table nearby to welcome a gathering of friends on a sultry summer afternoon. Gracious ladies, elegant in straw hats, gauzy linen dresses- always in their pearls- these Southern Belles on the arm of gentlemen, impeccably turned out in seersucker suits, white bucks and the appropriate Classic Kippers’ bow ties!

Make your summer a feel good summer – for yourself and for the artist, who despite his or her challenges, has created a lovely patriotic piece for your special place.

Show your patriotism and your love of animals!

The Evergreen artist’s AMERICAN FLAG pillows
can be purchased in their gift shop at:
Evergreen
2101 Highway 80
Haughton, LA 71037
You can give them a call at
(318) 949-5500

I HAVE TWO YEARS TO GO UNTIL MATURITY.
I AM A HOLY TERROR!
I AM A BRAT!

That being said, I was still given a very cool party. It was just for immediate family though.

Something about no others guests until I’m three. At that point I’m supposed to be “socially acceptable”. As if some magical button is going to be pushed and I’m going to turn into Mr Perfect. You really believe that… right? (snort, snort , chortle, chortle)
I was slightly late for my luau, but Papa Kippers and Her Royal Highness, Miss Sophie had some hors d’oeuvres and frozen pineapple drinks while they waited. Sophie cannot hold her pineapple juice and drank so fast that she kept having “brain freezes”!

When I did arrive, Sophie Peach’s pearls were askew and she was bobbing and weaving, giggling and singing.

Papa Kippers looked slightly mortified, but we feasted on banana slices with fat-free whipped cream and pumpkin biscuits, as well as those little pineapple drinks.

Let me interject that all those trips to Sonic made me a pro at drinking from a straw!